Sanitary worker set himself on fire after repeatedly demanding payment of his wages from the contractor. Two days later, he lost his life. Media Report
For many years, trade unions across the globe have consistently raised concerns about the outsourcing and privatization of Public services. We were told that privatization would improve efficiency, reduce costs and deliver better services. However, the experience of many workers has been very different.
Every morning, sanitation workers leave their homes before sunrise. They clean our streets, collect our waste and protect public health. Their work prevents the spread of disease and keeps our cities functioning. Yet many continue to work without proper safety equipment, social security, pension, health coverage or job security. Their families live with uncertainty despite performing one of the most important public services in society.
Trade unions are not against reform. We support reforms that improve public services, strengthen transparency and increase accountability. But reforms should never weaken workers’ rights or reduce the quality of public services. Public services exist to serve people, not simply to reduce costs.
When profit becomes the main objective, workers often become another cost to be reduced.
Lower labour costs may increase financial returns, but they also increase insecurity, weaken accountability and place greater pressure on the very people who keep our public services running. Sustainable public services cannot be built by treating workers as expendable.
The death of one worker should become a turning point for meaningful dialogue on the future of public services in Pakistan. Governments, workers and civil society must work together to develop public service reforms that protect both workers and citizens.
A nation cannot claim to value public service while neglecting the people who provide it. Real progress is measured not only by financial savings, but by how we protect the dignity, rights and lives of the workers who serve the public every day.